In today's first reading from Leviticus 23, we read about the festivals that God prescribed for the Jews. More in a moment. In the Gospel reading from Matthew 13, the people of Nazareth, Jesus' hometown, take offense at Him after He taught in their synagogue. Familiarity breeds contempt.
The Jews were to celebrate the Passover of the LORD, the feast of Unleavened Bread, the Day of Atonement and the feast of Booths. Festivals and feasts. Does that sound familiar? If you're Catholic, it certainly should.
The Jewish roots of the Catholic faith are deep. We have many festivals and feasts. We learned well from our forebears in the faith. I like to put it like this: With thousands of canonized saints, every day is a feast day in the Catholic faith! Every Sunday is a celebration of the resurrection of the Lord! Isn't it great to be Catholic?
Father, we thank you for all the festivals and feasts we commemorate and celebrate through the year. May every day be an occasion to celebrate your glory. Amen.
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